Accelerating to Zero Grant Program
Canada
Support for innovative equitable low-carbon transition projects
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Utilities
- Construction
- Transportation and warehousing
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- The Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact (HCi3) Fund
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get $50,000 to cover 80% of the total cost of the project for up to 24 months to support a broad range of climate solutions promoting equity, reconciliation, job creation, community resilience, and other environmental benefits.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Accelerating to Zero Grant Program offers structured financing options to support impactful projects focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering community benefits. The program provides various funding avenues designed to accommodate different project needs and timelines.
- Up to $75,000 per project under the Partnership Stream, supporting projects up to 24 months in duration.
- Up to $10,000 per grant under the Catalyst Stream, designed as seed funding for new initiatives with a simplified application process.
- Grants cover up to 80% of total project costs, with a minimum of 20% of project costs covered by matching funds or in-kind contributions.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant prioritizes projects within the Halifax Regional Municipality that have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit the community. The activities eligible under this grant aim to promote a sustainable, low-carbon future while emphasizing equity and inclusive participation.
- Development of low-carbon affordable housing through retrofits, net-zero construction, and capacity building.
- Implementation of community-driven renewable energy projects, emphasizing social equity and innovative financing.
- Exploration of shared and electric transportation solutions that benefit the entire community.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 40,000
Launching a community solar energy project to enhance local renewable energy use
$ 40,000
Developing urban green spaces to increase community resilience and biodiversity
$ 32,000
Implementing a recycling program schools to reduce waste and promote environmental stewardship
$ 40,000
Establishing a green roofing program for small businesses to enhance urban sustainability
$ 40,000
Creating a mobile app to promote sustainable transportation choices and reduce carbon footprint
$ 40,000
Launching a community composting program to reduce organic waste and improve soil health
grant_single_labels|admissibility
We welcome applications from a broad spectrum of organizations and companies, with the following exceptions:
- Individuals
- Individual schools or classrooms
- Provincially owned entities, including crown corporations
- Political parties
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Organizations eligible to apply for this grant encompass a broad range of entities, with certain exceptions and recommended profiles aimed at enhancing community-driven climate initiatives.
- Registered non-profit organizations that aim to advance climate action initiatives.
- Community groups active in environmental sustainability within Halifax or broader Nova Scotia.
- Indigenous organizations and communities proposing climate or equity-focused projects.
- Academic institutions with partnered research aligned with emission reduction goals, excluding individual schools or classrooms.
- Private companies engaged in sustainability and community enhancement projects, except those wholly-owned by provincial entities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant program excludes specific types of organizations due to their nature and function. These exclusions help ensure the grants are allocated to entities that support the program's community-focused objectives.
- Individuals.
- Individual schools or classrooms.
- Provincially owned entities, including crown corporations.
- Political parties.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant is aimed at supporting projects that advance climate action, equity, and community empowerment within Halifax/Kjipuktuk. Eligible projects either directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions or set the stage for continued reduction efforts, ensuring a just and equitable transition to low-carbon solutions.
- Development of low-carbon affordable housing, including building retrofits and net-zero new constructions.
- Community-driven renewable energy projects focusing on social equity and innovative financing.
- Shared and electric transportation solutions like e-bikes and car sharing that benefit communities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is targeted towards organizations that have a significant presence within the Halifax Regional Municipality. It also considers projects led by or involving Indigenous or African Nova Scotian communities, regardless of their specific location, provided they benefit the HRM.
- Primarily within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
- Open to Indigenous or African Nova Scotian communities, potentially beyond HRM, if benefits are directed towards HRM.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria that focus on the project’s potential for climate impact, equitable participation, community benefits, and reconciliation efforts.
- Climate Impact: Projects should demonstrate long-term carbon reduction potential, focusing on scalability and replicability to increase impact.
- Equitable Participation: Projects must address historical and systemic disadvantages, empowering groups and facilitating inclusive participation.
- Community and Partnerships: Projects should foster strong partnerships, enhance community vitality, and contribute to job creation, resilience, capacity building, and affordability.
- Reconciliation: Projects should advance a Reconciliation economy, collaborating with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and incorporating traditional knowledge.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Program Guidelines and Eligibility
- Familiarize yourself with the program's eligibility criteria and guidelines.
- Ensure your organization and project meet the necessary requirements to apply.
- Step 2: Submit Your Idea Online
- Visit the grant's official website and fill out the initial online form.
- Provide details about your project concept and its alignment with the grant's objectives.
- Step 3: Initial Discussion Setup
- After submission, expect the organization to reach out to schedule a discussion.
- Engage in dialogue to co-develop projects aligning with grant objectives.
- Step 4: Develop Project Plan
- Work alongside grant providers to form a detailed project charter and budget.
- Ensure the project plan highlights community benefits and sustainability efforts.
- Step 5: Application Review
- A review committee evaluates the application and provides feedback.
- Refine the proposal based on constructive feedback from the review.
- Step 6: Final Submission and Decision
- Submit the refined application for final consideration.
- The funding decision will be communicated after the closing assessment.
- Step 7: Engage with Catalyst Stream Application (if applicable)
- Submit an online inquiry or engage in a conversation if applying to the Catalyst Stream.
- Participate in a streamlined application process for seed funding.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Grants can cover up to 80% of total project costs, with a requirement for matching funds or in-kind contributions for the remaining 20%.
- The funding is aimed at fostering sustainability and shared efforts, encouraging community engagement and resource sharing.
- Projects demonstrating partnership with historically racialized, marginalized, or excluded communities are viewed favorably to promote inclusivity and equity.
- The maximum project duration is 24 months, although shorter projects are encouraged.
- A detailed evaluation framework is available for applicants to better understand the granting criteria.
